Big Day Tomorrow, NERVOUS, But the BEST Decision ...

So ... Tomorrow is it ... A total hysterectomy.  We have to be at the hospital at 6:00a.m. ... Eesh, that means leaving rockin' Milton at 4:15am.  I've been thinking about this surgery A LOT for the last couple of weeks, not sleeping well, obsessing about getting everything done (house is cleaned from top to bottom and de-christmased), and I think we now have enough food to feed an army (B will agree with that) ... That's what nerves will do to me. The time just flew by!!  

When I think back to October 21, 2008 and my bilateral mastectomy, I don't remember being nervous at all. At the time, I just wanted the cancer to be gone and was lucky enough to have Brendon and one of my dearest friends in the whole world (Terri a/k/a Penny) at my side early that morning and was also fortunate to have the rest of my family there that day.  Brendon, Penny and I laughed and laughed at the strangeness of what was about to happen and it felt good to know that they were cutting the cancer out of me. 

To be truthful, I don't miss my breasts at all. It's funny that how something or two particular "things" that I thought were so important ... So important in fact, that I got breast implants before cancer, can be so insignificant in my life now ... And as I have said before, I feel more "whole" without them and this is how I am supposed to be.  Will I miss the rest of the lady parts?  I don't think so but it does make me a little sad. 

This surgery is different in the fact that I don't have cancer in the lady parts ... I will admit this past month and that week of waiting for those biopsy results were absolute hell. I was happy that they didn't find cancer, but the what ifs and what would be next if the cancer did come back clouded my mind and scared the living "shit" out of me. Tomorrow, after all of the lady parts are removed , they will test to confirm no cancer or precancerous tissue is present (standard and they aren't worried).  

At my "pre op" appointment about 2 weeks ago, we went over all of the options and both came to the same conclusion. After I shed many tears talking about this past month, I truly believe my surgeon completely understands where I am coming from, where my mindset is, understands the physical issues that I have been having and what we both believe that the plan is necessary. To some, a total hysterectomy may seem drastic, but to me, it is what needs to happen and I am comfortable with this ... But being that it is another major surgery, it still scares me ... So whatever kind of mojo, prayers or whatever works for you to send our way, we will definitely appreciate it.  

As I have approached many things in my life, both good and bad ... I will overcome and be stronger than I was before. It'll take a little bit for me to get back there, but I am looking forward to getting back to another "new normal" ... To ride the new tandem bike that the hubcap gave to "us" for Christmas (photo attached), enjoy the summer up north at the cabin with the family, to "compete" in triathlons, to run another marathon and possibly, in 2015, do another Ironman distance race. 

We will see.  I'm going to embrace my recovery and embrace 2014. I think this will be the perfect way to start this next year. 

So, as I am off to drink my broth and eat my jello (does white wine count as part of a clear, liquid diet) ;-), I really hope you all had a fantastic holiday with your family and friends. I feel blessed to have you all in my life, so thanks for hanging around :-). Enjoy the rest of your Sunday night and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.  

A Busy Week, Surgery and Car ...

Well, it was another crazy week here. Between work (busy getting ready for the new year and all of the exciting things coming up at the Janesville Athletic Club), the kids activities ... I know I am like many, running kiddos to different practices, meets and events (we weren't home one night this week) and trying to get everything else done that life throws at all of us, I am beat. This next week is no different, but then the kids are off for holiday break. Ahhhh, it'll be nice. 

In SO many ways I am looking forward to surgery, one of those reasons being is that I can legitimately rest for a few days before I go back to my office work (no teaching for a bit - so don't worry).  Just TWO weeks from tomorrow!!!! 

I am fortunate to have a doctor that is also a runner/triathlete. That is great as she understands my questions about healing timeframe, that it won't affect my upcoming season and all of that good stuff. I did text her several more questions, as naturally, I am getting a little nervous, which she said was completely understandable. Lucky to have such a great doctor on my side :-). 

Training will officially resume after I am fully recovered, but please know when I start to gradually get back to it, I will have approval from my doctor to do so ... So no lecturing ;-).  I have 2 weeks to finish preparing my body for surgery, so I will be working hard to get it ready. 

Saturday morning wasn't so great.  It started out well with some time with the Jackman, but after that ... It kind of went downhill.  I was in a bit of a fender bender at about 10 that morning. Was backing out of my parking spot at Target and went to hit the break and my foot slipped off the break and hit the gas instead (to clarify, it was wet and snowy out).  No one was hurt except Gigi (my grocery getter), my pride and some damage to the parked car that I hit. I called the police, went into Target and had them make an announcement to notify the other party. When the gentleman came out, he was so nice and appreciative that I had already handled everything. It made a crappy experience, not so crappy ... Yes there are still kind people out there. 

Already talked to the insurance agent and taking it in on Monday morning and will hopefully get this repair train started. Gotta love American Family. 

Hope you all had a wonderful week and the holidays aren't too hectic for you all. We are looking forward to a relatively quiet Christmas. Celebrating with B's family next weekend and my parents on Christmas Eve, then we are home (just us) on Christmas Day. Can't wait for a relaxing morning and dinner at Fuji for soooooshi with the kiddos Christmas night  :-). 

Night all, HAPPY HOLIDAYS and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.  

Surgery and Hug Your Loved Ones ...

So ... My total hysterectomy is scheduled for December 30th (Nothing like getting straight to the point huh) ;-). That's quite the way to ring in the New Year right!!!  After my second opinion appointment, and talking with my first opinion doc as well as several people who have been through the experience, I made the decision to have the procedure done. 

Confident that this is the best choice for me (with my history, events of late and for my own personal sanity) and getting it done with plenty of time to start training for for the Wisconsin Half Marathon and the REV3 Half Ironman. :-). 

So, 3 weeks from tomorrow, if you happen to be in the Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital area, stop by for a visit. I'll be there until New Years Eve. :-)

This past week, I have had three friends experience loss. It breaks my heart for them and I wish with everything in my being that I could take their pain away.  The best I can do is give support and remember to tell them and everyone that is special in my life, how important that they are. 

Live in the present, embrace life and treat those you love with kindness and love. 

I hope you have all had a great week and the week to come is just as good. 

Enjoy the peacefulness of the snowy evening and give your loved ones an extra hug tonight. 

 

Thanksgiving and Upcoming Schtuff ...

Thanksgiving week was a busy one, as it usually is for most everyone. I was able to manage to have some good down time this week, which was really nice. 

I was going to post a list of things/peeps  that I am thankful for, but it is entirely WAY too long to post and would probably bore you all to tears, so I will spare you :-). 

Thanksgiving day itself proved to be a challenge, but we made it through and I was happy that my brother Michael and his partner Anceert (pronounced On-Cert, if you are wondering), were able to make it. They are moving to sunny California in the next few weeks so it was great to be able have some time with them. Can't wait to visit!!!  

The best part of the weekend was that my first baby, Jack turned 15 ... I cannot believe he is 15. Such an incredible young man.  Love him to the moon and back!  Attaching a couple of photos from when he was just a teeny kiddo. 

We finished up the holiday weekend with a trip to Minneapolis to see Brendon's extended family. A great way to round out the week!!  

This coming Thursday, I have an appointment  with my new ON/GYN, so I will have more news to share on that front. Hoping she will confirm what doc Suzanne recommends and can magically squeeze me in before the end of the year.  Anyone want to take bets on those odds??  ;-). 

Hope you all had a wonderful Thabksgiving with your family and are able to enjoy the holidays coming up as well!  Enjoy your evening and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.  

Training, More Yoga and the Cabin ...

The beginning of this past week was a little nerve wracking. I appreciated everyone's good thoughts, prayers and good juju. The good thing about the nerve wracking week, was that I got 3 good runs in with friends. Have to love my peeps that were doing their best to help me free my mind of the thoughts of the unknown phone call!!!  

So, the good news is that I don't have endometrial cancer. I have a follow up appointment with an OB/GYN on 12/5 to discuss what is next. I have already gotten an opinion from a triathlete friend that just happens to be an Ob/GYN (the powers of FB and the sport of triathlon made this first opinion happen already).  She was able to look at notes, results of biopsy and the ultrasound results too. Her recommendation is a total hysterectomy. On the 5th I will hopefully confirm that recommendation. 

With my history and issues, I am not opposed to it. My hormones have been completely out of whack for the last 5 years and I am not having anymore children, so I am good with it. I'll keep you posted. Hoping that if a hysterectomy is the outcome, that they can do it lapriscopically so my down time isn't too long. We will see :-). 

I am planning on enjoying the thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, then will get back to focussing on what is going on with my body. 

Training is getting back there, slowly, but it is moving in the right direction. I am doing the Rev3 half ironman distance in the Dells on June 22nd so my training plan will start the first week of February, so a good base would be nice :-). I've been working on my plan, but know there may be a kink thrown in there too. 

Other good things happening ... I have really been enjoying yoga. Was able to go twice this past week and it feels great. I need more of being aware and enjoying the present, not always worrying about things and really focussing on happiness and balance. 

These last few weeks have been the perfect wake up call for me. After I was diagnosed with BC on 2008, I really had my priorities figured out and lived a pretty balanced life. As time moved on, I started to fall back into old habits and I don't like that about my old self. It has been nice to be getting back to where I would like to be personally. Planning on continuing this trend from here on out and I think that yoga really helps with this as well. 

The weekend was rounded out with an incredible trip to the cabin. I love it up there. We got a few things done, but really just relaxed and had some nice family time. It would have been great to take a walk or two in the woods but with all of the hunters out there, we didn't feel like it was a good choice. To finish the week, we met Brendon's family and did the annual chop down the Christmas tree event. Always fun to do. 

Settling in for the night and preparing for the week ahead. Should be a really nice holiday week. Enjoy your night and holiday week ahead. Safe travels if you are heading out of town and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.  

No News Yet, Weekend And YOGA ...

So after sending an unsuccessful MyChart message to my Nurse Practitioner on Friday, I did what any normal cancer survivor would do ... I emailed my Oncologist to see if the biopsy results were in yet :-).  You've gotta love that man. He responded within just a couple of hours, from Florida (he was at a meeting), and said that the biopsy results were not in and after reading the notes and seeing the ultrasound results, he was glad that they did the biopsy ... He then closed his email with, "please get some rest this weekend and try not to worry and enjoy the weekend".  Well ...

It has been a great weekend!  Jacks HS production of Kiss Me Kate was this weekend. What an amazing job those kids did!  So proud of all if them. We were able to see the Friday and Shnday performances. Saturday was our 17th anniversary. It was a good day/night overall. Can't believe we have been married or 17 years!!!  The big anniversary purchase was a wooden beach towel rack for the cabin :-). (Photo attached) Happy Mama!!  

As far as training went, there wasn't anything stellar that happened for this Chica in the last seven days, but I DID make it to two, yes TWO,  hot yoga classes. The first was at Harbor Athletic Club, my old stomping grounds. Love that gym and I saw several people that I still know. Anywho, went into class that my friend, Christi, who I have known since HS, was teaching. What a great class, a perfect message that I could completely relate to (did you known you can cry in hot yoga and no one knows since everyone is sweating their a$$es off)!!  This morning, Sue, my friend and former boss from the JAC,  went to Hot Yoga at Inner Fire Yoga in Madison. That was another incredible experience and I was so happy that Sue brought me and gave me a little glimpse as to what her passion is. Holy boats it was HOT in there!!!  The humidity was a killer as well. Felt great when I was done and have had some calm and peaceful times after both classes :-).  Looking forward to my Wednesday night yoga class too. Who knew that I would enjoy the calm and centering of yoga. It has done wonders for me, and I look forward to continuing. 

I am promising to you all and myself to get back to it (training that is) this week. :-).  

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another and I will post if results when they come in. 

Friends, Appreciation and Getting It Checked Out ...

Well, it was an interesting week that is for sure. There are not any wicked awesome training stories to share whatsoever ... It's been a busy week, between work, trips to Madison and trying to catch up on sleep, the training/workouts haven't been all getting done ... Some have, but not quite what I have hoped.  What can you do but just let it go. 

There were some great highlights to the week.  I was lucky enough to have lunch with my dear friend Kris, dinner with one of our fave couples Wendy and Kirk, see my good friend Laura that just moved to Michigan and had come home for the weekend, being able to cheer my friends Kathi and Sherri on at the Madison Marathon (they did awesome!!  Kathi's first and Sherri's second - lights the fire under this bootay to get back to the training) AND lunch with my friend Peter, (those are some awesome highlights that's for sure). I'm going to fill you in on my lunch with Peter. 

So, my friend Peter, who I have known for 20+ years but haven't seen in about 18 years, saw me on the cover of Brava Magazine and said that I should get the print blown up and he would frame it for me. A little background on Peter. He used to own The Onion and sold it a few years ago and now owns a frame shop/gallery.  Any who, I sent him a message asking if he would really do this for me. Yes, indeed he was going to. So kind and so thoughtful. 

When Peter and I met for lunch and he showed the framed photo to me, what did I do???  I'll give you one guess ... I cried. The kindness of people still amazes me.  I have attached a picture which doesn't do it justice, but I wanted to attach it. I am so appreciative and thankful to have so many incredible people in my life. 

On Thursday, the week got a little more interesting (and not in a whoo hoo interesting way).  I went to the doctor for a physical and to get some things checked out that have been a little off lately. Well, the outcome of the appointment ... Ultrasound ordered and was on Friday (score for me ... Because I am fit, they were able to get some great images) and not such a score, I have an endometrial biopsy scheduled this coming Tuesday morning.  I wasn't I expecting that word to come out of my doc's mouth, but I guess it needs to be done.  I will say this, that as soon as I heard the word biopsy, I pretty much stopped hearing anything else that she had to say. The Charlie Brown teacher voice was all I heard. I did manage to hold it together until she left the room, then the flood of memories of the chain of events from 5 years ago came rushing back.  I let myself have a good cry, then had a chat with myself and decided that I need to stay positive and not worry.  I don't know anything now that is different from the day before, so I can't worry about something that could be nothing right?  (A little self talk going on). ;-). 

So, a little request, if you do feel the urge and would be so kind as to send some good thoughts, good juju, prayers (however it works in your world) in my family's direction, we would appreciate it. 

I hope you all have had a great weekend and have been able to enjoy spending time with those you love. Enjoy the evening and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! 

A Little Lost and Busy and More ...

Lost - It's been almost 2 months since Ironman Wisconsin, I am fully recovered from surgery and should be back at it. At this point, my only problem is that I have no plan, no races on the horizon or in the near future, just winging it. I have determined that "winging it" doesn't work for me.  Frankly, it just makes me feel a little lost. 

Busy - While I like that I don't have any 7 hour bike rides, two mile swims or long runs to do, something is missing from my fitness program.  One of my goals over the next few weeks is to put a plan together and get back to it with some sort of purpose and drive. The break has been good but this Betty is getting antsy. 

I have taken on some different duties at work and that has proved to be interesting (I guess a blessing that I am not training for anything as it has been challenging to figure out). I love what I do, but will be happy when things start to "flow" a little better and I am not feeling like I am being pulled in 50 different directions. It's all part of the process ad it will all get easier, I just need to ride it out :-). 

More - This week, I have some appointments coming up, visits with old and new friends (looking forward to those visits), YOGA and am just going to focus on having a good week. I hope you have all been well. I know that was kind of an anticlimactic post but that's all she wrote this week :-). I'll be back with, hopefully, some good stories and great training on top of it. 

Enjoy your Sunday night and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! 

Back To It, A Little Post Race Blues, Next Season and Beyond ...

OWell, I got approval from my new fave plastics doc, Dr. King, to get back to it full force. That was great news!  Things have progressed quickly and really well. By next summer, the non boobs will be nice and flat and less "sawlike" ;-). I am looking forward to regaining some focus with what I am doing.  

That being said, the post Ironman blues have set in a bit. A little but delayed from last time, but with the surgery almost right after Ironman, I had that to focus on right away, so it kept my mind busy.  

Now that the surgery is over and I have had time to settle the brain, I am sad that it's done. I miss my training partners (I will connect with them again), I miss the schedule - not ALL of the schedule, but miss many parts of it. I miss the good things that this sport brings to my life in so many ways.

I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and children who all support me and the training that is involved to accomplish this goal. Can't get any better than that. 

So, next year and beyond ... What is my plan???  Not going into all if it because you all may think I am a TAD crazy. You may have thought that already ;-).   Hoping for 2 half ironman distances a half marathon and a full marathon ... Possibly an adventure race too ... We will see how my body does and how my health manages the training.  

And POSSIBLY, just POSSIBLY, in 2015, I may do Beach to Battleship 140.6. We will see what happens with next season, but the seed has been planted in the brain :-). 

Short and sweet post tonight. I'll be back next week and will hopefully have some incredible training stories for you ... LOL. I may actually give my 2 cents on this month of October and all of the "pink" things that go along with it. 

I will leave you with this PSA for the day.  Ladies and gentleman ... Take the 2-3 minutes out of your month to do a self breast exam, notice any changes if there are any and contact your physician if you do. And also remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! 

Chemobrain, Healing and A Plan ...

I know I have talked about this before, but I am bringing it up again as this past week, I had a quite a few challenging times. I am usually not a complainer, but "chemo brain" is not one of the "gifts" that has come from cancer that I enjoy.  One of my girlfriends said to me the other day when I was complaining about my brain and it's wacky function ... She said and which I laughed wholeheartedly about, "well, the chemo fried your brain" (she is also a survivor). :-). 

It can be really frustrating as sometimes, simple things like, while teaching a strength class to a large group, and trying to cue and count to 20 can be a challenge ... Bless Lauren and the rest of my class for helping me out. 

Simple new things can, at times be a challenge. I do always figure them out, and can do them well, but I used to always be confident about tackling something new ... That is not always the case anymore. And if I am overwhelmed, I have a tendency to shut down.  I do work my way back, but it can be challenging at times. 

Chemo brain is something that I believe I will have to live with for the rest of my life and I will take it in stride, because, what else can I do right?  It's just frustrating at times. 

Onto healing. This past Thursday, I went to Madison to see Dr King to check out the non existent "girls" a week after surgery. Always great to see him. We chatted about random stuff, including the magazine cover (It was funny going into the office and seeing myself on the cover of a magazine on coffee tables in the lobby and back in the patient rooms). We took a look at my progress and healing and things are looking good according to him.  I think I look a little bit like a scene from the movie "Saw", but he assured me (and I believe him) that everything is healing as it should. I still need to keep the strength training light and easy and no swimming until the end of the week, depending on how my sutures and steri strips are looking.  By the 14th, I should be ready to rock n' roll.  Yay!!!  Funny part of the office visit was that when I was leaving and saying "bye" to a large group, one of them said as I walked by ... Is that her??  I laughed and smiled :-). 

The "plan" ... I have some personal goals and am putting together a plan to get myself there. A lot of self care physically, mentally and emotionally, changing of the diet, changing how I live my life and really just focussing on all around wellness for myself.  It is extremely important to me, so thanks in advance, for your support. I know some will think that my response of "no" is being selfish or uncooperative, but I think it is just the opposite. 

My first priority always needs to be my own happiness and the happiness of my family because without that ... I wouldn't be living the life that makes me whole. Don't get me wrong, I AM happy, just need to make a shift with some parts of my life to get me to that place I would really like to be. I can see it, just need to make the effort to get there :-). 

With those deep thoughts ;-), I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday evening, and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!!  I'll be back next week with some actual training happening ... Maybe even a race plan for 2014 included.  And no, there is not an Ironman in my plan :-) 

A Little Procedure and A Cover ...

Well, I'm back ... No training to really speak of here as of right now (I'll be back at it in a week), but hey, there is still stuff to talk about right? ;-). 

So, I had a little procedure done on Thursday. If you did not already know, I had my pre-cancer breast implants removed in November 2012. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss those balls of saline whatsoever. Well, over the course of the past year, the skin has settled and left me with what the medical field would call "dog ears@ or excess skin in 3 parts of my boobless chest. 

I had gone into see my plastic surgeon a couple of weeks before Ironman to see Dr. Timothy King (there are apparently a couple of Dr. King plastic surgeons in the Madison area) to have the area checked out. 

I love him. He is an incredibly kind person, extremely generous and does wonderful work.  We had a look at what needed to be done and we set the appointment up for just a few weeks after Ironman. Perfect timing as I tend to go full force too early, when I really should be just easing back into things. 

So, Thursday morning, after a fun run with Lisa, a shower and teaching Power Pump, I make my way to Madison.  As I pull in, I think to myself ... I hope this is the last one. I wasn't sure as to what to expect as I haven't ever been awake for this kind of a surgery before. 

After going thru all of the standard questions/blood pressure/yada yada yada, Dr King comes in and I gve him a big hug thanking him for everything ... What he has done and what he is about to do and he wants a hug to congratulate me on finishing Ironman. :-). 

So, here is how it is going to go. He will mark me up so he knows where the incisions need to be made ... Those were some big areas ... I start to get a little nervous. As he is numbing and testing the areas (and we all know this is on my chest, correct?), I can still feel the scalpel. More numbing injections ... After I am locked and loaded and ready we talk about getting started and what was all going to happen. 

As he starts his work, my body tenses up  and I am pretty jittery ... Found out at that time that the injections have adrenaline in them.  Ahhhhhhhh, that explains a lot. He said, may he we should have given you a Valium.  I laughed and said, I could thane a one as I drove myself today.  He could see my nervousness, so asked me to tell him about my Ironman. So, a really strange experience ... As I am chatting away with him, he is cutting away with me.  I can feel the pressure and the tugging but no pain. The medical assistant in the room kept saying, I think you are feeling pain ... No, I am just fidgety and this is creeping me out a bit. Dr. Kings favorite words while sewing me up when I ask how many more stitches were, I'm making it pretty :-). I asked how many stitches I will have and his reply ... As many as it takes.  How many steps did you take to complete the run in the marathon portion of your Ironman?  Touché :-). 

After the first of 3 areas were done, he went to check on another patient and I could relax a bit.  I worked on my yoga breathing and thought how proud my friend Jacque would be ;-). This was the funniest part. Kari (the medical assistant) asked if I would like my water bottle or if I needed anything else ... I said, I kind of would like my phone ... She actually said I could have it. You will all be proud as I opted out.  I know there would have been a photo taken and no one wanted to see that. 

Dr King comes back in and I do my best not to tense up, but it didn't really work to well. He worked away and I asked him to tell me stories about his family and himself. If I wasn't getting my body cut open, it would have been a great conversation ... It still was, just an odd circumstance. As he was sewing up incision number 2, I again ask how many stitches for this one ... Same response. I had to close my eyes this time as I could see him pulling the thread and te tugging ... Eesh, that was not my favorite. By the time he got to making the third incision I was actually somewhat relaxed and it went much quicker. So, about 50-60 stitches later and a gogillian steri strips on top of the stitches, I was ready to go. Again, gave Dr King another hug and we made an appointment for me to see him this week to check on my progress. 

Only snafu so far ... The medical assistant put the wrong kind of tape in my bag of supplies to take with me. I am allergic to certain adhesives. Well, this tape was one of those. Itchy, red perfect tape mark around all three sites. That has made the last 48 hours interesting. 

I am excited to go back to the doctor to check my progress. Hoping by then, I will look a little less "saw-like" ... I know I will as I healed really well and relatively quickly from the last surgery. The initial couple of weeks are always the least pretty.  I'll keep you posted ;-). 

I am to rest from working out/training too hard until I go back this week ... So, I am really not supposed to do much. I can tell when I overdo it, so I am doing my best to keep it low key. This has forced me from getting back at the intensity that I know I would be doing ... My body still needs to recover from Ironman. 

The exciting news, which most of you have probably seen is that I am on the cover of the October issue of Brava Magazine!!!  Well, my torso is :-). I was so excited when Michelle Reddington had contacted me and asked if I would be on the cover ... One catch, I would not be wearing a top, but my non-breasts would be covered. I think she and everyone else in the room were shocked when I immediately said yes!!!  

The photoshoot was just 3 days after ironman and was really fun to do. The photographer, Todd, was incredible and I think, did an incredible job. The photo showed such strength ... I am so proud and appreciative of the opportunity. 

Why did I agree to do this cover?  I really wanted to show people that this is what can happen to someone with a cancer diagnosis. Women can lose their breasts, but can still be just as beautiful without them. If someone doesn't agree with that, that is ok, but they don't live in my body and I am proud of my body and I still feel like just as much of a woman without breasts as I did when I had breasts.  So far, the reaction has been extremely positive which is great and my husband thinks it's pretty bada$$ :-). The cover is included in this post :-). 

In the editors note on page 12, Kate, from Brava really did a great job talking about the cover and talking about my friend Dawn, who is the founder of the non profit, Effcansah. So proud of her and all that she has done. I feel privileged to know her and to be able to call her my friend :-). The article on, I believe, page 52 is also a great read. Three women share their stories/experiences. I hope I am able to meet them someday. 

So, I am resting, recovering and getting back into the swing of things slowly. Fingers crossed that this is the last of the cancer related surgeries. 

Happy Monday everyone!!!  And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!!  I'll be back next week :-). 

Race Report ... Finally and The Five Year Canciversary!!!!!

I don't know which I am more excited about ... Completing my second Ironman or hitting the 5 year milestone in the cancer journey!!!  Both are pretty amazing and cause for celebration!!  

I'll start with the race report :-).  WARNING - SUPER LONG!!!  

I am apologizing, in advance, to those that I forget to mention in this post ... You are not forgotten ... My brain doesn't always get everything straight anymore :-). 

The day started early ... 4:15am to be exact (I don't think I slept much the night before). The alarm went off and up I went to have my standard pre-race breakfast, a banana and peanut butter toast. Mixed all of my beverages for the first part of the bike and got organized. At 4:45am, I woke B up and got him moving so we could head down to the Monona Terrace. Best line while he was getting ready ... "Spectators need to glide it up too" :-). It is such a long day as we all know that I am not a fasty, so my support team was they would be out there for an extra long time!  

We made it downtown, and I headed straight to transition to inflate my tires. When I was done, I saw Alison, my friend and training partner ... She wondered why I was so quiet and if I had cried yet. Well, as soon as she said that, what did I do??? Cry :-). 

We chatted  and walked together to find the hubcaps. I got body marked and then Alison did the honors of writing everyone's names on me. I took care of Brendon, Jack and Parker and she took care of Molly ... The survivor and wonderful friend that I was racing for and Max and Barb ... My two angels for the day. I do have to add that my friend Scott gave me a ChasingChad wristband, so his brother Chad could help guide me as well. 

Before the race, I was able to see Gina and her son Joey. They wanted to see me off and I appreciated it. I had to go to transition to drop some things off and brought them along so they could see the see of bags of all of the athletes belongings. Pretty incredible site. 

As Alison and I made our way down to the water, I, of course, see more peeps I know (B calls me the mayor of the world). When we get closer to the water, I turn my head and who do I see ... Dawn!!  She is the inspiration behind Effcansah and an amazing woman ... As soon as I see her, I cry ... A theme of the day.  So proud to support Effcansah and what she has all done :-).  Then I saw both Terri and Amy Jo. Cried again, giving Terri the biggest and tightest hug I could (and of course cried again) and making sure to give Amy Jo a big squeeze too. 

As we headed into the water to warm up/tread water, I try to put myself in a position where I won't get banged up too terribly ... LOL, that is a hilarious thought in itself. As the cannon goes off, I start swimming, only to feel like I am swimming backwards. I thought to myself, this is going to be a LONG swim. I tried to find some room to move, but it is hard with over 2000 participants looking to accomplish the same goal. I thought I found a rhythm, but kept either running into people or getting run into. A very nice gentleman, not, thought it would be a great idea to push me under water so he could get by ... Mama was cranky after that.  The field never really opened up except on the long stretch after the second turn. Well, you would have thought I had several cocktails with the way I was swimming ... Let's just say that it was NOT in a straight line (happy to find out later that I wasn't the only one with those thoughts) Not a highlight. The water was choppy which made it harder to sight. When I made the final turn in, I was so happy to see the end, that I was able to pick up the pace a bit. I came in at about 1:30 ... What I predicted, but was hoping for a little faster time ... If I would have stayed on course, time would have been better, but hey, I was done. Got out of the water, got my wetsuit stripped, and started running up the helix. Who do I see ... DeAnn, Mark and Stephanie :-). Big hugs for them. They told me to get moving. 

As I make it up to transition and call out my number to receive my bag, there is Kayla, smiling and ready to hand it off :-). Made my way into transition and there was Jacque, waiting to help me. She was awesome!!!  She chatted with me but kept me on track ... Which can be hard to do. So great to see her. She sent me on my way (I believe I insisted on a hug) and off to the bike I went!!!  

The bike ... The first 30 miles were pretty good, non eventful, just tried to keep it easy and loose. The first and second loop sort of blended together, but the second loop was definitely more of a challenge than the first. The bike:

The first loop, I tried to stay as relaxed as possible, just soaking it all in.  As I got into Cross Plains, I was able to see my friend and fellow survivor Steffani as well as Marn. So good to see them and of course, I cried.  Now, I can't remember which loops I saw these people, but I was able to have short conversations with them, so it was great :-). Laurie, my new friend and former teammate, came upon me and we were able to chat for a bit, bitched a little about the swim and she was on her way.  Suzy, my friend from BT passed me and we chatted for a bit, And my friend Alison. I was suprised to see her as I thought I wouldn't see her until the run when she was going the other way. She was having major back problems and wasn't sure how the day was going to go. I have seen that expression on her face before and I was a little worried ... Well, she will come up later :-). 

On the first loop up the "3 bitches", as they are so affectionately called, went well. My least favorite is the first, Old Sauk Pass. If rather have shorter and steeper than longer and not quite as steep. There were plenty of peeps out there giving encouragement to all of the riders!!  

The second of the 3, Timber Lane, I saw DeAnn and Mark towards the bottom of the hill.  So good to see them and they were yelling, I am ahead of schedule!!!  I had no idea as to what time it was and my tracker wasn't working, so people were guessing based on my cheat sheet. DeAnn ran up the hill with me for a little bit and I said to stay strong and I would see her later. 

When I get to the top of Timber, I see Brendon, Jack, Sparky and Barbie (my friend of over 40 years ... Yes, it's been THAT long) ... Such a great sight to see :-), but no stopping the first loop.  Randy was also there cheering away!  I know I saw a lot of people, so thanks for being out there, but I can't remember much else about that first loop on that hill.  As I work my way to the 3rd of the 3 of the worst hills, I saw Steffani and Marn again and as I passed our old neighborhood, I saw lots of peeps from the old hood out there cheering!!!!  

Third hill, did my best to spin up the hill, got a lot of encouragement from random people in costume  and saw the Wimmers (love those guys) and Aimee, Brenda and Kitty. Always good to see friendly faces.  As I work my way back to the start of the second loop, I see Becky and Kortney ... They were screaming so loud I couldn't miss them!!  Loved it!  Can you tell that I thrive on communication and friends/family? ;-). 

As I am working my way into Mt Horeb, I come up upon my friend Todd who was plugging along. We chat for a minute and I keep on pedaling, as did he :-) ... I see the cave of the mounds sign and I know the hill into Mt Horeb is coming up. The first time wasn't too bad, second time, I did my best to spin up the hill and keep the legs fresh. Make it to the top and who comes upon me, Gina (a breast radiologist - and triathlete who I connected with on FB) so glad to actually meet her and talk for a little bit. 

A few really cool things happened on the bike before I made it back to Cross Plains ... Riders cheered for me as Molly, Max and Barb ... Loved it and, of course, cried every time. They were truly with me that day and that was a pretty special thing. I was asked and was able to share my story, Molly's story, Max's story and Barb's story with several riders ... Pretty awesome to be able to talk them up!!!  

Almost back at the 3-B's, I look around me and see no one near, I call Brendon, yes I call him, and ask where they will be on Timber because I needed to stop and give them a big hug.  Needed extra support soon.  They will be waiting for me :-). 

First of the 3 hills AGAIN ... My least favorite and my breathing was not cooperating. I stop mid hill, use my inhaler, have a little pity party ... That was the one time of the day that I wasn't sure about the day. Then, I had a little chat with myself. Why am I out here?  To celebrate my survival, to celebrate and race for Molly, an amazing friend and survivor, for all survivors, and for Max and Barb, my angels who guided me A LOT that day. There were many times that I asked all of them if they would please give me that little extra nudge that I needed. Made it to the top ... And I yell, "Suck It Old Sauk Pass!!!"  So happy to not have to see that hill again that day. 

As I began to head up Timber, I see many people that I know, yelling encouraging words.  The best sight at the top of the hill was to be stop for a hug and see Brendon, Jack, Sparky, Barbie, my college friend Krista, and my MOM!!!!  So fun to see her there and give her a big birthday hug and kiss.  She was 80 on Ironman day. 

As I work my way to the third hill ... Who do I see?  My rockin' Oncologist sporting the Effcansah shirt!!!  Of course I cried when I saw him ... He is an incredible doctor and friend as well. 

The last of the 3 B's was tough ... My body was getting tired and I was ready to be off the bike. So happy to see, Dave and Lisa, Jen, Aimee, Brenda and Kitty and of course the Wimmers :-). 

Back towards Verona and back to Monona Terrace ... That part was not fun. The headwind was strong, so my pace slowed quite a bit. Two best parts about that part of the ride ... Another participant comes up behind me and says, I have been following you for TWO HOURS trying to figure out what the HELL your jersey says and I FINALLY figured it out!!  I was happy to be able to entertain him and keep his mind off the pain of the ride. Second, was that I was able to talk all about Molly, Max and Barb as well as my own celebration. So proud at that moment. :-).  Made it off the bike pretty much on time in just a little over 7 hours. 

Off the bike into transition again ... Made it out relatively quickly and was off "running". As I head out I immediately see Laura, Kurt and Julie and Mike and Jan :-). So fun!!  As I round the corner, who do I see, but the one and only Molly!!!  Of course, I immediately start crying and give her the biggest hug that I could. She was like, get moving!!   Love that girl and I couldn't have seen her at a better time!!!!  

The run gets a little fuzzy as to who I all saw, but I was able to give Brendon, Barbie, Jack, Sparky, Molly, Terri, Amy Jo, Tracy, Synthia and Mitch, Jacque, Terry, Laura and Chris, , Jim, Tonya, Randy and Carol, another friend Molly, Doug, the Wimmers, Gina, Cheryl, Mary, Megan, Becky, Kortney, Jodi and Derrick, CJ and Phil, and my special friends from Komen - Silvia and hubby Wayne, Dee, Joan,  and Laura .. And, I know I am forgetting people ...but I gave everyone that I knew at LEAST one hug on the run ... There was some SERIOUS hugging going on ... so it got a little blurry :-). It was truly special to see all of you!!!!!  

As I started,  my friend Jim walked with me for a little bit, and filled me in on where everyone was at and how it was going. As I left him and have him a hug, I worked my way over to camp Randall ... While walking around the inside of the football stadium, I see Fireman Rob (if you don't know about him, give him a google search) and caught up to him and another gentleman walking and they ask,  what is the cape all about???  It was pretty awesome to be able to share the story with them and an honor to race with them both (the other person I was walking with has done 97 ironmans - holy boats!!!). 

You know me and how shy I am, NOT :-), I asked for a picture with them!!  How did I do that ... Yes, I carried the binky with me the whole time. Since my tracker wasn't working, I was able to let B know where I was and responded to some messages to give people a heads up as to where I would be and when.  

At about mile 7, my race changed ... As I come back from the State Street turn around, I see my friend Alison that I had seen during the bike. I was so happy to see her!!!  I said, I am not stopping as you will catch up to me.  Well, as soon as she catches up to me, she asked if I would cry if we ran together ... No, not yet. She was able to "find" some medication that helped her back ... Yay!!!  Well, she said if we were sticking together we would need to run more and I said, if we were sticking together, we would need to walk some as well. We made a deal ... Run the flats, run the downhills, walk the hills and the aide stations. DEAL!!!

Well, we proceeded to have the most interesting, best and worst time over the course of the next 18 miles!!  We said some not so nice things to each other (we determined that on ironman day, all was said with love) and there were times that she kept going and I had to play catch-up as I was stopping to talk to a lot of people and giving hugs when I should have been running with her.  We laughed a lot too, which is so important to me and the experience of the race.  I forgot to mention that the pink cape was back in action for the run and it was quite the topic of conversation. The best line by Alison .. What about the sidekick?? ... No one remembers the sidekick :-). We become the Boobed and Boobless Wonders.  As we endured the last several miles ... the deals changed a little bit, but it was so awesome to have my friend and training partner by my side.  I do have to say that I SO appreciated every minute with her!!!  It was also awesome to see other friends/athletes out racing that day/night ... There was that knowing smile from everyone showing that the completely understood.  

As we hit about mile 25.5, she was on a mission as we knew we would hit the 14:XX time ... She needed to keep going, and I said, "You have been incredible today, you enjoy your finish and celebrate it, I will be there in a little bit!"  As I rounded the Capital and headed for the chute, I saw Terri (got a big congrats hug - her hubby had finished about 2 hours earlier than I had) and Robert who was cheering like crazy (sitting and enjoying his finish). I felt such strength and ran as fast as I could into the chute. Such an amazing feeling to finish strong and know that I was going to be an Ironman for the second time!!!!!  Had to love Mike Reilly when he announced me coming in, "MILTON WISCONSIN, MICHELE WILKINSON, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!! :-). 14:56:20!!!  An hour and 10 minutes faster than in 2010 :-).  Suck it cancer!!!!!  

I was lucky enough to be caught by two awesome people, Kim and Doug ... Loved seeing their faces. When I got my shirt and hat, who do I see, Alison ... It was the best hug I could get at that moment. Have I said that is amazing ;-) and am so proud to call her my friend ... And did we cry??? I'll let you guess at that one :-). 

After the race we found Dave, Alison's husband, Brendon, Jack, Sparky and Barbie :-). Sparky was so happy it didn't take me as long as last time as she was TIRED!!!  We saw Synthia and Mitch ... Waiting for the big squeeze and I proudly told her that her mom was with me :-).  Jacque, Mike and Jan were waiting too!!!  When I turn to the right, who do I see, my best running buds ... Kathi, Lesley and Sherri (and Sherri's husband Chris too :-). So awesome to see them there and appreciated them coming out. 

As we headed back to rockin' Milton and the fatigue and soreness set in ... I thought to myself, I am the luckiest lady on the face of the earth. I am surrounded by so many incredible people both near and far and I have to say that you are all a gift in my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I felt the support on the course both in person and from afar.  It was awesome to receive messages and posts and calls from everyone :-). So whether you supported me near or far that day, I TRULY appreciate it. The experience wouldn't be the same without all of you :-).  And my husband, my biggest jockstrapper, love you to bits babe.  Couldn't have done it without all of your support!!!!  And my kiddos, Jack and Sparky ... I truly appreciated your patience and support as well. Love you both like crazy!!  

Will I do an Ironman again?  I will say this, I'm not rushing out to do one next year, but it will maybe happen again ... For now, I am enjoying the relaxed and looser schedule and am actually excited to get back to TRX with Tracy ... Miss that kick in the pants :-).  And It's been great to spend time catching up with family and friends. 

Moving on to the Canciversary ... 

This is a big one ... 5 years ... Such a monumental day ... So many thoughts and feelings go along with this day. When I think about that moment, that day ... I cry, remembering vividly that moment at 10:16am on September 22, 2008, when I heard those words that no one ever wants to hear.  I had no idea as to what to expect in the upcoming months (in actuality, 15 months), or what my fate would be.  The unknown is a scary thing, but as I said from the beginning of this journey, I was going to fight, make a difference, embrace life and live it to the fullest, appreciating my life and everyone in it :-) and to encourage everyone to reach for their dreams!!!  

As we all know, I am a sharer, but I think it's important that we all know that we are all special in our own way!!!  

One never wants to hear those words "You have cancer" ... For me, those words have made a difference in who I am, what I am about and how I live my life. I am not perfect, but I embrace the good bad and ugly that this life brings us. 

 

Some of the most important things I have learned with this gift of cancer (yes it sounds hokey, but those that have been told those words, know what I mean), are that people are inherently good. The relationships/friendships that have come from my diagnosis have been incredible.  Family is so important and shouldn't be taken for granted.  I have learned what it feels like to feel beautiful, without breasts, without hair and hopefully helping people be not so afraid of someone with cancer.  I have also learned that with determination, a little blood, sweat and tears, that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.  

So, embrace the gift of life ... And live in the moment, try not to wish time away. 

Thanks so much for joining me for this long ride. :-). It's not over and sorry, I'm not going away. Love you all bunches and bunches!!!  

I have attached some of my favorite photos from the day :-). 

  

Giving B one of MANY hugs ... Look, he has a binky too ;-).  He rocks!

Love this photo of the kids ... They do love each other ;-)

Molly ... So excited to see her and race in her honor! 

Alison - pre swim :-). Lucky to have her as my friend! 

Oops, upside down ;-)

Sparky was T.I.R.E.D!! 

Still happy on the bike :-)

Ahh .... The finish line!!!!  

Some of the running buds :-). Lesley, Sherri and Kathi.  Love those ladies!

Terri a/k/a Penny, one of my besties and fellow survivor :-)

Fireman Rob, Me and Luis Alvarez :-). 

Enjoy your Sunday, and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!!  I'll be back soon ... Hopefully next Sunday :-)

Ironman Tracking Information :-). It's Only THREE days away!!!!!

Morning Everyone!!! It is Ironman week! In just 3 days at 7:00am the cannon will go off and over 2000 athletes will begin their day.  Here is all of the info that I know of and can give you to help guide you through the day and if you would like to find me ... this will be your best best :).

First, if you would like a sheet that gives estimates as to where I will approximately be on the course at certain points in the day, shoot me an email or text and i will get a copy to you :-).  

Great places to spectate on the bike are in Mt Horeb at the high school, in Middleton on Timber Lane (a lot of people there and it is a big hill, so no one, except the pros are moving up it very fast) or in Middleton at Midtown Road (crazy big hill too and people aren't moving very fast :). There are a lot of people in Verona heading towards downtown, but peeps are moving pretty fast.

On the run, the best places to are are State Street ... if you can get a table outside, it is an awesome spectator spot and you can have food or beverages. Also Breese Terrace right by Camp Randall is an awesome spot too. We pass by there 4 times. Observatory Drive is a good spot as I will probably be walking up that thing ... eesh :).

Below is a link to the course so you know where everything is:

http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/wisconsin/athletes/course.aspx#axzz2dqIKcBlY

Below is the spectator guide that gives info as far as shuttles and road closures and all of that good stuff.

http://www.ironman.com/~/media/fb0cca1f62774e6780bbfc99e5eea12d/9%208%20im%20wisconsin%20spectator%20guide.pdf

I am also getting an athlete tracker GPS. You will be able to track me on the bike and the run and know exactly where I am on the course. If you have an Android or iPhone smart phone, there is a free app that you can download and use that, or you can track from a laptop, desktop, Kindle Fire, iPad, etc.

Ironman Wisconsin probably wont be up on the site until either this Thursday or Friday. Here is the link to the site, that gives you all of that information and gives you direct links to download the app. Please let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.myathletelive.com/events/

 

You can also go to www.ironmanwisconsin.com and on race day, click on live coverage.  You can search an athlete to track and once you find my name, you can click on it and it will give more detailed information or you can watch the live video feed too. 

Thanks so much for all of your support over these last 9ish months. It means the world to me and whether you are on the course that day or cheering from afar, I will hear you :)..

Have a great day!!!!

Six Days, Inspiration, Angels, Canciversary and Thanks ...

Race day is just 6 days away!!!!  So excited and nervous at the same time. I am really looking forward to this upcoming week, the final preparations, meeting new friends, the big day in my home town and seeing everyone out there!!!!!  The training is done ... Or at least I am pretty sure it is.  Not much I can do about it now right?  I've put the time in, now I just have to believe in a successful race day ... Think good weather thoughts for Sunday!!!  

Inspiration:  I called my friend Molly this past Tuesday night and had a question for her ... Could I please do Ironman in her honor and acknowledge her fighting spirit and determination?  She, fortunately, said yes :-).  A little background on my friend Molly. We met about 3 years ago at the Race for the Cure in Madison. Prior to us meeting, several people said that there was a woman who was recently diagnosed that I HAD to meet. Her name was Molly ... I kept hearing her name over and over ... Well, you all know me and how shy I am ... NOT ;-). I had to meet her. As soon as we met, I knew we would hit it off and am so blessed with her friendship.  

Molly is currently fighting stage 4 breast cancer and is a wonderful wife, mother to 3 young children and a serious fighter!!!  She even has her own army - MOLLY'S ARMY :-).  She will be on my calf and joining me for the 14-16 hour day on Sunday :-).  (The picture in this post is one of Molly and me at Ironman 2010). 

Besides Molly, I have a lot of inspiration for the day. On my forearm will be three names: my husband Brendon, my son Jack and my daughter Parker.  They are my biggest fans and supporters and I am the luckiest lady in the world to have them in my life. When I need that little burst of encouragement, they will be right there with me. 

All of the survivors that are out there. This race is for all of you too!!!  Thinking of everyone I know that is a cancer survivor brings tears to my eyes as I type this. Partially because I am so happy that they are survivors, partially because I am upset that I know WAY too many people that have been diagnosed with cancer. I wish no one would ever have to hear those words. 

Angels:  On my left shoulder will be my friend Max, who passed away on Halloween, 2012. He has made an incredible impact on me and was a dear friend that I miss EVERY.DAY.  He will be one of the angels that will guide me on race day. On my right shoulder will be my friend Synthia's mom's Barb, who just passed away a little over a week ago ... She will be the other angel guiding me on Sunday and will also become an Ironman with me that day. 

Me:  I will also be racing to celebrate my 5 year canciversary.  At times it feels like it was just yesterday when I got that phone call and others, it seems like forever ago.  I do know that this day will celebrate me kicking cancer's a$$ yet another day!!!!

Thanks: Big shout out to the running buds :-). Lisa, Lesley, Laura, Sherri, Kathi and Deb ... Love you ladies to pieces and I am so appreciative of all the miles you have endured with me over the last 9ish months!!! 

My friends Alison (who is doing Ironman as well), Jacque, Lyndsey and Synthia for logging lots and lots of miles on the bike :-). It is amazing where you can all go on two wheels - although I couldn't tell you how to get to any of those places via bike as I get lost in a cardboard box :-).  

And thanks to my hubcap who was always ready to get in that kayak and paddle along next to me while I swam, keeping me safe in the lake :-). 

These last 5 days before the race will be busy, fun and exciting. A lot to still do to make the final preparations. Shirts have either been mailed or are in my hands for pick up :-). I will be sending out an email and will post info here in the next day or two with all the tracking information and where good spectator spots will be!  

Thanks for coming along for the ride. I appreciate it more than you could ever know!!!  Hope you all had a wonderful long weekend and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!!  Be back in a couple of days.  Love to all!!!!  

12 Days, Taper, Tracking and Other Schtuff ...

Well, with less than two weeks until the big day (just 12 days), I believe I am ready ... One doesn't ever know for sure, but I believe I have put in the necessary work to get me to THE finish line on race day.  I was able to accomplish my last longish ride, which was sidelined to feeling like poop towards the end of this past week. 

I have learned many things about my body over the last 9-ish months and, I think, have figured out how to balance things better and when I am starting to get sick. Resting the body instead of trying to push through is my best bet. This past week and for the first time this year, I did not end up with bronchitis and pneumonia ... I believe, partially due to me being smarter about it and part of it being modern medicine that has helped keep my asthma/allergies under control ... And if I decide to embark on another ironman again, then I will have better knowledge of myself, my body and what it can and can't do. 

The taper has been pretty awesome, besides being CRAZY tired and hungry ALL THE TIME ... Fortunately, we are spending 10 days up at the cabin in the peacefulness of the northwoods :-).  The extra bonus is that I can spend it with 3 of the most important people in my life.  I have been able to sleep in, wake up naturally without worrying about what is happening at work or what needs to be taken care of at home. The training is getting done, although my run on Sunday was terrible. I know better than this, but thought it was a great idea at the time ... Made a big breakfast for myself, then went for a run. The breaky almost ended up on the road. Quick and fairly easy reminder. Nothing like having to have your husband come pick you up off the side of the road and bring you home to regroup. I came home, took in some fluids and managed to limp through the rest of it. 

I am happy to say that, training wise, there isn't anything to crazy lined up for the next 11 days ... Feels good to not have to block off huge chunks of time  or completely rearrange everything that I do based on what my training day is like ... Now, that the volume is lower, this is the time when I (and I'm sure many athletes) start to question: Have I done enough, will I be smart enough on race day, will I be able to finish and accomplish my goals???  I just have to keep the faith and not worry about what I can't control.  The day will all work out as it's supposed to ... Well, at least that's how I am feeling today :-). 

I did have the pleasure of tracking several friends on Sunday at Ironman Louisville and Ironman Canada. So fun to see where they are all at, how they are doing and cheering them on from afar. I had my nose in my phone almost the whole day ... Between checking in on people, texting friends to see if they knew where they were at, it was a long day ;-).  I am so happy and proud to say that my friend Terry completed his first Ironman in Louisville on Sunday. Simply incredible. It has been fun to watch him transform and accomplish his goals over the past 9 months. And also, huge props to my friend Megan, who completed her first Ironman in Canada yesterday too!  Man, she is a fasty!!  Another big props go to my friend Jim, who did Ironman Lake Placid and Ironman Louisville in less than a month. Holy crap!!  Impressive stuff!!  Also congrats to Kitty, Brenda and Bruce a/k/a Lite Jazz on their accomplishment at Louisville as well :-). Have to also give a big shout out to my friend Jodi.  Although, she did not finish the race due to a stress fracture in her foot, she gave it 110% out there yesterday and am so proud of her :-). 

For those of you that have been asking, I did rent a GPS tracking system for race day. It is pretty simple to use and if you have an android smart phone or an iPhone, they offer a free app so you can track me on race day when you are out on the course or elsewhere. You can also track from a laptop, desktop, kindle fire or iPad too :-). Here is the link to the website ... The actual Ironman Wisconsin race won't show up until the week of the race, but you will be prepared ;-). 

www.myathletelive.com. 

Go to upcoming events and you click on the app to download ... It's free :-). You can track directly from the website as well.

I will send out more info race week as to where are good spectator spots and where I think I will be at certain times (depending on weather and how I am feeling that day, those times are estimates, but if you have the app and are out on the course, it'll be a lot easier :-). And if you see some Effcansah shirts on the course, talk to them, get to know them and enjoy the day as spectators together.  it is incredible out there!!  also, pick people's brains as to where good spectator spots are as well.  I may miss some, but plan on getting an email race week with more info :-). 

Speaking of Effcansah ... Thanks so much to everyone that has purchased shirts!!! 74 were sold!!!  As soon as all are distributed and calculations have been made, I will let you know the total $$$ that will go to Dr. Mark Burkard and his breast cancer research. Again, if you are in the Madison area and chose local pickup, I will be at Fleet Feet Madison on Old Sauk road on Tuesday, September 3rd from 5:30-7:30pm. And if you are in the Janesville area and chose local pickup, I will be at the Janesville Athletic Club on Blackbridge Road on Thursday, September 5th from 5:30-7:30pm. 

If you are so inclined, my friend Jacque is teaching an Ironman themed spin ride on Tuesday, September 3rd at 5:30am ... Sign up on Saturday or Sunday of this week ... And if you ordered a shirt, I can get it to you then.  If not, just come for the fun!!!!!!  

I hope you have all had a great day and are staying cool!!!  And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!!  I'll be back on Sunday :-). Love to all!!!!  

T.I.R.E.D, #779 and Last Chance for Shirts ...

This was a big week.  The fatigue was out of this world, and I was sort of dreading it ... But, I accomplished all I hoped to and was happy with the results. After I complete my 2.4 mile swim tomorrow morning, I will start to taper and I can't wait for it.  Just 21 days until the big day!!!  I AM ready for shorter training sessions and more time for family ... The best part is that a big part of my taper will be spent up at the cabin with family and friends, relaxing and enjoying each others company.  The cabin is my absolute favorite place to be ... counting down the days until we get there :-).  The house right now is not my favoite place as I have let some things slide around here. It'll have have to wait for a good, deep cleaning until after Ironman, but it's driving me a little nutso!!!  

Back to the training weekend ... Saturday morning, my friend Jacque and I headed up to the Ironman course to ride our hearts out :-).  First loop was great, felt really strong.  The second loop, we were on our way to a possible negative split.  We did stop to take a picture (which I've attached - people asked if we were ok ... the course is beautiful, one must appreciate it)! Then we hit mile 19 on the bike ... Jacque, as usual, was ahead of me on the hill (she is a REALLY strong cyclist) and all of a sudden I hear a POW coming from her bike. 

At first, we thought it was a blown tire, then we looked down and realized that one of spokes had broken off!!  Well, we didn't quite know what to do, but were trying to figure it out.  About 5 minutes later, two really nice guys came by and asked if they could help. I knew Wynn from Blake's team and his friend both took a look and took care of us ... There was good news and bad news here ... Good news was that she could still ride her bike another 20+ miles back to the car ... Bad news was that she had no back brakes as the wheel wouldn't turn as it was out of true.  So, we made it back, taking a tour of our old hood on our way, riding a little more timidly and gently than the first loop. We did not want a trip to the ER and plus we had lunch and a beer waiting for us as Gray's Tied House. :-).  So, a successful 2 loops on the course were completed :-). 

After we got back from the ride, I finished out the last 14 miles to get my century in. Jacque - you and I will ride 100 miles together!!!!  

This morning was my last long run. 3 hours ... Eesh. I wasn't sure how these sticks were going to feel after the long bike, but I was about to find out! The weather was perfect and I has some wonderful ladies to help me through it. Thanks so much to Lisa, Lesley, Kathi, Sherri and Lyndsey for the company!!!!  It was a bummer to not have Laura with us, but she has started a new adventure with her family in Michigan, but she is missed and I can't wait to see her again ... 

Back to the run. It started out a little rough as my legs were tired. Another great reason to have friends for company ... I got to listen to a lot of good stories and hear about everyone's adventures. :-). After about mile 5, the legs started loosening up and I got into a rhythm. Rounded out my last long run with 17 miles in the bank :-). I was really happy with it. And thanks to the Swenson family for letting me pop in to use the baaathroom. That was appreciated too :-). 

Another bit of info that I found out today was my race number!! 779 :-). It's real now!!!!  Seeing that made my heart jump a little bit with excitement. So happy that I am able to participate in this sport and am so lucky to have such supportive friends and family that have helped me along the way. I do have to say that B has been incredible with all of this. Couldn't ask for a better partner in life :-). 

And last, but not least ... Last call to order Effcansah - Team IronMichele Wilkinson shirts!!  i believe we are closing in on 60 shirts!!  fingers crossed that we can surpass that!!?  Just 2 days left to place your shirt order, so keep them coming in!!  All of the shirts are a unisex cotton t-shirt and come in Sapphire Blue :-).  When you place your order online, it will state that they are on backorder.  No worries, they will definitely be done in time for race day.  The company printing the shirts will be doing one mass printing, so that is the reasoning behind the backordered on the site.   

The cost for the shirts are $15.00 each and ALL of the proceeds will go to Dr. Mark Burkard's breast cancer research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  

You may choose to have your shirt(s) shipped (at a minimal cost) to your door or you can choose to pick them up in Madison from yours truly on Tuesday, September 4th from 5:30 - 7:30pm at Fleet Feet on Old Sauk Road or in Janesville on Thursday, September 5th from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the Janesville Athletic Club On Blackbridge Road.  

Please email me if you have any questions.  It would be great to see a lot of you out there supporting Effcansah!  Thanks so much to Dawn Whyte for getting this set up!!  You are awesome!!  It'll be so exciting to see Effcansah shirts out there on the course :-) ... Smiling and sweaty hugs will definitely be given :-).  I have attached a picture of the mock up of the shirts too.  

And, below is a link to the website :-)

http://shop.effcansah.com/Team-IronMichele-Ironman.htm

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your Sunday ... summer is back :-). Yay!!!  And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday ... It'll be Louisville Ironman day. All the best to my friend Terry and Jodi and all the others participating ;-).